If you make it through quarantine without buying or making something tie dye, that’s truly a miracle! Tie dye is everywhere, and I’m all on board! Personally I love the more subtle and neutral watercolor tie dye look over the bright multi color ones, and set out to make my own over the weekend. My sweatshirt turned out beautifully and honestly it was super simple! I shared the details on my TikTok, and here are the step-by-step instructions. Have fun!

WATERCOLOR TIE DYE SWEATSHIRT

SWEATSHIRT

Start with a solid-colored sweatshirt. If you’re using the bleach method, like I did, use a colored sweatshirt. There are so many inexpensive options on Amazon and Walmart, which I included some ideas below. I personally used the Hanes Men’s Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt in Stonewashed Green.

OTHER TOOLS

In addition to the sweatshirt, you’ll need bleach, rubber bands, detergent, and a rubber gloves.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Get the sweatshirt wet with hot water.

Step 2: Create a tie dye pattern of your choice with the rubber bands. For mind I focused on making a ton of tiny scrunches and tied it tight with rubber bands.

Step 3: Wearing your gloves, sprinkle bleach on the sweatshirt and let sit until the desired color is achieved. Make sure to get all sides of the sweatshirt. I left it on for 20 minutes to achieve this color effect.

Step 4: Remove rubber bands and rinse sweatshirt with warm water.

Step 5: Pour about half a cup of detergent onto the sweatshirt in the rinsing station. Work in the detergent throughout the sweatshirt, rinse, and wring out. Or throw in the washing machine!

Step 6: Dry sweatshirt in the dryer or air dry

What do you think of watercolor tie dye?  Let me know in a comment below!